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Town 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Saturday, 1st Feb 2014 17:06

David McGoldrick’s 55th minute penalty saw Town to a 1-0 home victory over Bolton. The Blues top scorer had been hauled back by Trotters’ keeper Andy Lonergan after he had dropped a high ball.

Stephen Hunt and Frank Nouble came into the Town side for departed loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe and Paul Anderson, who dropped to the bench.

Former Blue Liam Trotter was named on the bench for the visitors having joined them on loan from Millwall yesterday.

McGoldrick threatened for the first time in the fifth minute, shooting over at the far post after Cole Skuse’s cross from the right had been flicked on. Town’s top scorer may feel he ought to have scored.

A minute later, Lukas Jutkiewicz headed Bolton’s first chance wide from Neil Danns’s cross from the right.

The visitors should have gone in front in the 12th minute after Tim Ream crossed from the left and Jutkiewicz’s effort from the edge of the six-yard box was blocked. The loose ball fell to Mark Davies 10 yards out but he completely missed his kick. Once the former Wolves midfielder had regained control, he scraped well wide.

It was a fortunate escape for the Blues, who hadn’t really settled into a reshuffled 4-3-3 system with Hunt joining Jay Tabb and Skuse in the midfield.

On 17, Chambers crossed from the right but Nouble’s looping header failed to test Trotters keeper Lonergan.

Two minutes later, Tabb found Hunt midway inside the Bolton half towards the right, the Irish international cleverly threading in Nouble, whose shot from a tight angle was deflected wide off Matt Mills.

From the resultant corner, the ball was eventually cleared to Aaron Cresswell 30 yards out, the left-back smashing a powerful strike which looked goalbound until Lonergan got his fingertips to it and diverted it over.

On 27 Skuse required lengthy treatment after a clash of heads just outside the Town penalty area. A stretcher was brought on but eventually the midfielder was led off the field and around the perimeter to the tunnel to warm applause. Anthony Wordsworth took over.


Bolton had another good chance to go in front in the 34th minute, skipper Jay Spearing playing a deft pass over the Blues backline and into the path of Danns. The former Colchester man seemed set to score but Town keeper Dean Gerken did well to save his outside-of-the-boot shot down to his left.

The visitors had dominated proceedings since Skuse’s injury and threatened again on 39, Christophe Berra doing well to nod wide ahead of Jutkiewicz.

Three minutes later, the Scotland international was booked for a foul on Darren Pratley after the former Swansea man had got away from him midway inside the Town half. Spearing’s curling freekick flew well wide.

The Trotters continued to have the better of it as the game moved into six minutes of injury time, Jutkiewicz hitting a low shot wide of Gerken’s left post.

Wordsworth scuffed a shot well over after a corner from the left had reached him deep on the right, then at the other end Medo Kamara hit a powerful strike over from the right but the scores remained level at the break.

Town were rather fortunate to still be on terms, the visitors having had the half’s better chances and been in control for the most part, certainly since Skuse’s injury. Davies certainly should have taken his opportunity, while Gerken had to be at his best to save from Danns.

The Blues’ best chances were McGoldrick’s early strike, which he failed to get on top of, and Nouble’s shot which was well blocked.

McCarthy’s men had looked uncomfortable in their 4-3-3 system and had failed to settle after losing Skuse.

Bolton started the second period on the front foot, Gerken saving Alex Baptiste’s strike from the right at his near post.

Hunt won Town a corner in the 49th minute, Wordsworth eventually sending a strike not too far over Lonergan’s bar from 20 yards.

The Blues, with Tabb in the deeper of the three midfield roles, finally started to impose themselves on the game, Nouble and Chambers sending dangerous balls in from the right.

And in the 55th minute Town went in front from the penalty spot. Lonergan failed to hold onto a high ball under pressure from McGoldrick and hauled the Blues back as he looked to get to the loose ball. Referee Charles Breakspear pointed straight to the spot.

McGoldrick, who had had Town’s last two penalties saved, took the kick himself and smashed it down the middle to claim his 15th goal of the season.

The former Forest man, who has declared his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, went close again a minute later, hitting a low shot across the face of goal and wide.

The goal had given the Blues a spring in their step, Hunt striking a dipping half-volley which Lonergan claimed on 62, then two minutes later a corner was laid out to Tabb, whose wayward shot was diverted over by Wordsworth.

The former Colchester man flicked a Hunt corner to the far post in the 71st minute, Ream turning the ball behind ahead of Berra. Two minutes later ex-Town man Liam Trotter was warmly applauded by his old fans as he came on to make his debut for his new club.

Frazer Richardson was given his debut in place of the Blues’ earlier sub Wordsworth in the 78th minute, the on-loan Middlesbrough man slotting into the midfield — taking up the deep role previously occupied by Tabb - rather than his more usual right-back role.

Bolton sub Chris Eagles hit a low shot through to Gerken on 83 with the Trotters throwing players forward in numbers as they went looking for an equaliser. The Blues were largely content to sit and catch the visitors on the break.

Berra skipped past a couple of Bolton players, then struck an effort which was blocked in the 85th minute, then three minutes later debutant Richardson shot over.

The Blues continued to look the more threatening side as the game moved into injury time, Hunt’s right-foot effort scuffing wide.

Bolton never looked like getting back on terms during the final minutes and referee Breakspeak’s whistle confirmed Town’s victory.

While the Trotters had been the better side before the break, the Blues were very much on top in the second half and in the end deserved the victory.

Having gone in front via what looked a very definite penalty, Town could have increased their lead with Bolton, who ought to have been in front at half-time, looking very much a struggling side once they were behind. The Blues remain in seventh, four points behind Reading in the final play-off place.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Berra, Smith, Cresswell, Tabb, Skuse (Wordsworth 32 (Richardson 78), Hunt, Nouble, McGoldrick, Murphy. Subs: Loach, Mings, Anderson, Edwards, Taylor.

Bolton: Lonergan, Baptiste, Knight, Mills, Ream, Spearing (c), Medo (Lee 80), Pratley (Eagles 59), M Davies, Danns (Trotter 73), Jutkiewicz. Subs: Bogdan, White, Vela, Moritz. Referee: Charles Breakspear (Surrey). Att: 15,429 (Bolton: 372).


Photo: Action Images



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oscarwhiting added 17:11 - Feb 1
great result, well done lads. onwards and upwards coyb
5

kuyski added 17:12 - Feb 1
3 for 7 points,good job MM and all the lads. Happy day.
2

TractorCam added 17:19 - Feb 1
Get in there, not the prettiest game but if it gets us the 3 points i don't care! 7 points from 3 games is pleasing.

Barnsley (A) and Blackpool (H), a good chance to get another 6 points, COYB!
6

irishtim added 17:21 - Feb 1
3 Vital points. Keeps us in there with a chance of playoffs.

Hope skuse injury not too serious. Can anyone let me know why Woody taken off??.

Taylor not in MM plans i reckon.
6

riley26 added 17:26 - Feb 1
Reading and Forest going so well right now, doing well just to keep within striking distance.

Looks like we definitely need a bit of cover in the loan market, just some sort of spark. Shame Taylor is not that creative spark we need, not sure what goes on in training, but surely he would play if he was training well and showing performance levels he had at Posh?
5

irishtim added 17:29 - Feb 1
From Irish point of view good to see Didsy declaring for the Republic.
3

TimmyH added 17:33 - Feb 1
Scrappy first half and a bit lucky to go in level but an improved second half performance so glad to get those 3 points which was needed as sod's law Reading won and the teams within reach us below also won...typical! Could have slipped up on this one today so well done all for showing a bit of resolve!
6

Keaneish added 17:33 - Feb 1
Of the hundreds, if not thousands who read TWTD i'm going to ask you all a question. If someone has the right answer to it, please tell me…

Q: Whether we play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, why is Paul Taylor not starting for ITFC?

That game was a yawn fest today. I want to see our most expensive signing and arguably one of our most creative players starting at home against struggling sides. Its as simple as that and there is no good reason why not. It has to be attitude although every time he's come on he's applied himself well in my eyes.

3 points, great. Very poor performance.
30

Michael11 added 17:34 - Feb 1
Another excellent win. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried when Skuse went off injured. Think we definitely need additions when the loan market opens this week though, any more injuries and we'll be down to the bare bones.
1

irishtim added 17:40 - Feb 1
@Keaneish. Imo it must be attitude. If he was displaying the right attitude i reckon he would be 1st on MM team sheet.

For those who think MM play's long footie look at some games when he was rep of ireland manager.

Reckon MM is doing brilliant with the squad & Finances he has.

I am grateful we have a chance of making the playoffs.
3

essextractorboy93 added 17:41 - Feb 1
Good 3 points, now two winnable games coming up. Also Frimpong and Mellis both got sent off for Barnsley today so will both be missing next Saturday, both central midfielders too! COYB!
5

oddball added 17:42 - Feb 1
The reason taylor not playing is simple. We won the game :-). We are very hard to beat thats what mm wants. Players like taylor do not fit with mm philosphy of being first and foremost hard to beat. Like it or not we are now competitive in this league.
0

TimmyH added 17:44 - Feb 1
Paul Taylor's attitude?...probably a bit of a clash of personalities, we don't know what goes on the training field, but if he shows the right attitude and plays ok at 3pm on saturday who cares! - have to say it does seem very strange.
7

battyblue added 17:45 - Feb 1
Totally agree with you Keanish Taylor is the man to run at defenders why he is not playing is a mystery to me to perhaps its because MM does not want flair players if not may as well let him go instead of stagnating on the bench while Frank takes the p-ss good three points though keeps us in with a shout although it could have gone the other way
4

ChrisMakin2012 added 17:52 - Feb 1
One name Stephen Hunt.
8

Sindre94 added 17:52 - Feb 1
Great win, but I honestly am shocked at the way Paul Taylor is treated.
Who knows, he might have a poor attitude, but the lad hasn't played in the league since the QPR game, a game I thought he was one of our best players by far.
I just dont get it, the boy has a real package of skill, pace and also puts in a real shift when he's given the nod?

If Messi was playing I would have accepted it, but the bloke who gets the games instead of him is Frank Nouble. Frank Nouble.
Had I been in Taylors' shoes (at any other club than my beloved ITFC obviously) I would have handed in a transfer request and demanded the chance to play my football somewhere else. He's one of those who will improve and deliver if he's treated the right way and is given a real feeling that he is wanted and appreciated. He clearly isn't in Mick McCarthys head.

Its a great season so far but when we lack some inspiration and creativity, Paul Taylor is overlooked, time after time.

I'm sure if Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Martinez (or any other manager in the English leagues who prefer a passing game over the kick and run style), had taken over at ITFC, Tayls would have been a star, I'm certain of that.

Someone might disagree but I am yet to see Taylor play really poor for us, he changed the game up at Blackpool completely (one of the greatest experiences Ive had in my life) and him behind the striker(s) I think would be a very good shout.

COYB
15

bennyitfc added 17:53 - Feb 1
Good result despite not being ruthless enough. I really hope we see more of Taylor soon, he deserves a chance.
3

bennyitfc added 17:56 - Feb 1
After posting the above I've just seen all the Taylor-related comments...surely there's something going on we don't know about because as far as I can see he is one of the only real game-changers we have!
6

muccletonjoe added 17:57 - Feb 1
Result a lot better than the game. Nuff said
6

Pip50 added 17:59 - Feb 1
We are never making the play offs. The club should be embarrassed serving up that for £30.
If we are not serious challengers as is plainly obvious why are we not building for the future now championship football is assured.
I don't blame ME for not investing he would get more entertainment out of watching paint dry.
1

Sindre94 added 17:59 - Feb 1
@bennyitfc
It must be, he's too good to be left out of the team due to footballing reasons. It must be something between him and MM
3

therein61 added 18:01 - Feb 1
In response to your question re Taylor Keanish my own opinion is that(as I have said before on here) he could do a great job linking play from midfield to attack he is a great bundle of energy hard to shake off and got to be worth a go in that position that would take pressure off the midfielders who when they cross the 1/2 way line appear to be like rabbits in headlights and go elsewhere rather than take responsibility, Taylor?? don't know what the problem is him or MM or a combination whatever it is it needs sorting we are low on depth too say the least!!!! anyway back to today(I wish the beer on the train to Liverpool st was better!!?? & cheaper!!) we have 3 points in the bag not easy on the eye but what the hell!!! we would have all given our backsides to have been where we are 12 months ago we now need an addition or two when the loan window opens but I'm worried about what Mick can do the money men are all too quiet!!?? what that guy(&TC) has done for our great club on next to eff all is amazing and he needs backing or I fear he will be off!! have a good w/end guys got to run for the tube.
2

StochesStotasBlewe added 18:03 - Feb 1
Great result, appalling 1st half, slightly less bad 2nd half, need reinforcements urgently because Tabb/Nouble just not up to it. Keanish, I wish I knew what MM,s problem with Taylor is, I,d love to see him start & give us a much neede spark. Still, a much needed 3 points.
4

Cloddyseedbed added 18:06 - Feb 1
Awful spectacle of a football match but a great 3 points I have to agree. As a caller on Radio Suffolk said the game was like a rugby game with players wrestling each other to the ground. How Nouble gets a game, neither me or the other 15,000 in the crowd will ever know. Taylor must be a bad apple as on merit he should be ahead of Nouble if both his legs were tied together! Please Mick bring in some quality. Not good hearing that Ipswich again lost out to a target on wages as we are not prepared to pay much. Hopefully Scuse will be fit sooner than later as he will be missed. I thought Hunty was again in fine form scurrying around making chances and forcing the opposition into mistakes. Next week against Barnsley will be interesting.
7

NoelTheDub added 18:11 - Feb 1
Well done Mick and the lads super result .Its amazing how you set out your stall ,and most weeks get a result with 16 or 18 first teamers.The club must back you in the loan market as injuries or red cards will hurt you.If keano or jewell was in this 7th place they would have spent millions so Mr evens support a manager how has done an a super job an spent crumbs.
2


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